The Federation has technology comparable to that of the other major powers in the Alpha Quadrant. Their military readiness, however, is lacking compared to that of their neighbors. While their ships are individually powerful, often substantially more powerful than those of their neighbors, they tend to be few in number, as indicated by the perpetual shortage of ships in position to respond to military emergencies. Furthermore, many [[Starfleet]] officers do not regard Starfleet as a military organization (despite its control of nearly all military assets in the Federation), and Starfleet itself does not conduct routine combat exercises to keep its crews prepared for military action.

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The Federation has technology comparable to that of the other major powers in the Alpha Quadrant. Their military readiness, however, is lacking compared to that of their neighbors. While their ships are individually powerful, often substantially more powerful than those of their neighbors,<ref>TNG "The Wounded"</ref> they tend to be few in number, as indicated by the perpetual shortage of ships in position to respond to military emergencies.<ref>[[Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan</ref>, TNG "Angel One", TNG "The Best of Both Worlds"</ref> Furthermore, many [[Starfleet]] officers do not regard Starfleet as a military organization (despite its control of nearly all military assets in the Federation), and Starfleet itself does not conduct routine combat exercises to keep its crews prepared for military action.<ref>TNG "Peak Performance"</ref>